# A Legacy of Service: The Barony of Brattleby and The Siege of Caerlaverock (1300)
LONDON, 21 July 2024 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflects upon the remarkable martial heritage of the Barony, recalling the distinguished service of Henry de Lacy, 10th Baron, at the Siege of Caerlaverock in July 1300, a profound display of loyalty and leadership.
## The Occasion
In the high summer season, as the anniversary of the 1300 campaign in Scotland approaches, the House of Brattleby takes this moment to commemorate a pivotal event in its lineage. The Siege of Caerlaverock, immortalised in the celebrated heraldic poem of the same name—*The Roll of Caerlaverock*—provides a singular, detailed account of the chivalry and military organisation of the late medieval period.
The document serves as a primary source, offering a near-eyewitness account of the campaign led by King Edward I during the First War of Scottish Independence. It is an occasion for historical reflection, reaffirming the deep connections between the Barony, the county of Lincolnshire, and the defence of the Realm over a history spanning more than nine centuries.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, has been intrinsically linked to the military and political life of England from its inception. The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, was tasked with consolidating Norman authority, a duty of service that would become a recurring theme for his successors. This legacy of martial responsibility was exemplified by Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces during the First Barons' War.
Centuries later, this same duty called upon Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron of Brattleby and later 1st Duke of Lancaster. As Earl of Lincoln, his prominent role in the Scottish campaigns was not merely that of a soldier but of a chief counsellor to the King. His presence at Caerlaverock in 1300, commanding a significant retinue, underscores the Barony’s stature and its role as a pillar of Plantagenet power, bridging the lineage that includes both the formidable Nichola de la Haye and, later, the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
The Caerlaverock campaign brought together the great magnates of the kingdom under the command of His Majesty King Edward I. The assembled host, as detailed in the Roll, represented the military and aristocratic apex of the English court.
Alongside Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and 10th Baron of Brattleby, were figures of immense significance. These included, *inter alia*, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward II; John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey; and the powerful prince-bishop, His Excellency Antony Bek of Durham. The presence of these men illustrates the importance of the campaign and places the 10th Baron of Brattleby at the very centre of national affairs.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The conduct of a medieval siege was a highly ritualised affair, governed by established protocols of war and chivalry. The unfurling of banners before the castle walls was the formal commencement, with each peer's standard signifying his presence and feudal commitment. The *Roll of Caerlaverock* is, in essence, a record of this protocol, a blazoning of the arms of each noble commander present.
The formal summons to surrender, the deployment of siege engines such as trebuchets and mangonels, and the diplomatic parley were all prescribed stages of the engagement. The dress of the commanders—full steel armour overlaid with a distinctive heraldic surcoat—was not merely for protection but was a uniform of rank and identity, allowing leaders to be recognised amidst the clamour of battle. This visual order was the *sine qua non* of command on the medieval battlefield.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
*The Roll of Caerlaverock* provides a contemporary blazon for Henry de Lacy's arms, describing his banner as bearing "a lion rampant purpure". The purple lion was a symbol of royal lineage and formidable power, instantly recognisable to friend and foe. It represented a personal brand of martial prowess and noble authority.
This historic display of strength finds a modern echo in the mottos of the House of Brattleby. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), directly reflects the principles demonstrated by the 10th Baron at Caerlaverock. Likewise, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer Is to Live'), speaks to the spirit of overcoming great challenges, a philosophical continuation of the resolve shown by his predecessors in the baronial line.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The legacy of military conflict, while historically significant, also serves as a poignant reminder of its human cost. The leadership demonstrated by past Barons in times of war inspires the modern House of Brattleby's commitment to healing and protection in times of peace. This duty of care is now channelled into focused philanthropic endeavour.
The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing support and therapy for children affected by trauma. The annual Winter Banquet, the House's foremost philanthropic gala, raises vital funds for this cause. This modern mission is seen as a direct continuation of the baronial responsibility to safeguard the vulnerable, translating a legacy of fortitude into a commitment to compassion.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on this history, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > "The story of Henry de Lacy at Caerlaverock is not simply a footnote in a history book; it is a powerful reminder of the enduring commitment to Crown and country that has defined this Barony for nearly a millennium. It is a legacy of fortitude we strive to honour in our own service today."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, added: > "One reads of such campaigns and sees the martial spirit of the age. Yet, the underlying principle, *vincere est vivere*, is not merely about conquest, but about overcoming great challenges. Today, those challenges are different—social, not military—but the resolve required remains the same."
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby remains committed to honouring its profound history while embracing its responsibilities in the 21st century. Through educational initiatives and its patronage of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to etiquette and modern leadership, the House seeks to impart the timeless values of honour, duty, and resilience.
The lessons drawn from the service of figures like Henry de Lacy continue to inform the House's public work. By understanding this unbroken chain of service, stretching from the Norman Conquest to the present day, the House of Brattleby reaffirms its commitment to its founding principle: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to deploying a nine-century-old legacy of service towards modern philanthropic and cultural ends. With the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron, the House upholds its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Its principal activities include patronage of the arts, historical preservation, and support for charitable causes focused on child welfare, primarily through its support for Healing the Wounded Child. The House also champions contemporary leadership education through its establishment, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, fostering principles of etiquette and social responsibility for the next generation.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding 56 lordships. Throughout its history, the Barony has been held by some of the most significant figures in English history, including Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness and defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. The lineage and rights of the Barony, now held by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness, were formally recognised by His Majesty's Government in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's succession was formally noted by the Crown on 9 September 2022, as published in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083. - The Barony was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com